Virtual Shuffleboard Table Using Laser Beam Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional table shuffleboard games face challenges such as lengthy playing fields, space inefficiency, lighting issues, manual scorekeeping, puck abrasion, and limited scoring protocols, which detract from player experience and increase operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact gaming apparatus with a resilient puck return system, laser beam sensors, and a game acquisition circuit that calculates puck travel parameters to simulate a virtual playing field, allowing for adjustable games and automatic scoring, while reducing friction and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lengthy playing field is used to make the game sufficiently challenging, then the game becomes more challenging, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a video display to create a virtual copy of the shuffleboard playing field, allowing the game to be played on a compact physical table while maintaining the challenge of a full-length field through digital simulation. The virtual playing field displayed on the screen replicates the scoring zones, puck trajectories, and game mechanics of a traditional lengthy field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional physical playing field to a multi-dimensional experience by incorporating vertical display elements and potentially three-dimensional graphics on the video screen, allowing the virtual field to occupy minimal physical space while presenting a full-scale gaming surface.
2Illumination intensity
If lighting fixtures are mounted on posts extending upward from the table, then the playing field boundaries become clearly visible, but the bulk of the table increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lighting function directly into the video display system, combining illumination and visual display into a single component. The display screen itself provides both the visual representation of the playing field and the illumination needed to make boundaries visible, eliminating the need for separate lighting fixtures and posts.
Solution Approach 2:
The video display serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the virtual playing field, provides illumination for visibility, and can show scoring information and game status, replacing what would traditionally require separate lighting fixtures, scoreboards, and field markings.
3Loss of information
If a scoreboard is mounted on posts extending upward from the table, then player scores are displayed, but the bulk of the table increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scoreboard function with the video display, integrating scorekeeping and display into the same visual interface that shows the virtual playing field. The display can simultaneously present the game board, scoring zones, and current player scores without requiring separate mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The video display performs multiple information-display functions: showing the virtual playing field boundaries and scoring zones, displaying current player scores, and providing visual feedback on puck positions and game status, all within a single integrated component.
4Force
If heavy pucks are used to impart sufficient momentum, then the puck can travel along the full length of the playing field, but the playing field surface becomes abraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual puck displayed on the video screen to replicate the movement and behavior of a physical puck, eliminating the need for heavy physical pucks that cause abrasion. The virtual representation maintains the game mechanics and momentum dynamics without the harmful physical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction between physical pucks and the playing field surface with a digital simulation, where puck movement is calculated and displayed virtually rather than physically traversing the surface, thereby eliminating abrasion entirely.
5Reliability
If silicone beads are applied to reduce friction, then puck sliding is improved, but maintenance costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replicates the friction and sliding characteristics of the playing field surface and puck interaction through digital simulation, eliminating the need for physical silicone beads or other friction-modifying substances. The virtual environment can precisely control sliding dynamics without requiring material application or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system requiring silicone bead application and maintenance with a digital simulation that calculates puck movement and friction digitally, eliminating all associated maintenance activities and operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances player experience with adjustable game settings, reduces operational costs by minimizing maintenance and space requirements, and provides an engaging ambiance through virtual gameplay.
Implementation Method 1
A first transmitter and a first sensor are positioned on opposite sides of the playing field. The first transmitter is configured to transmit a first beam to the first sensor
Implementation Method 2
The first transmitter is configured to transmit a first beam to the first sensor, and the first sensor configured to read the first beam
Implementation Method 3
A puck return is operably connected to the distal end of the playing field and includes a resilient elastic material placed above the playing field
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual shuffleboard table gaming apparatus including a housing having a playing field, a game acquisition circuit, and a display. As a puck is propelled towards a puck return at the distal end of the playing field, the puck temporarily obstructs at least two beams from transmitters. Sensors that receive the transmitted beams provide information to the game acquisition circuit indicative of the time when the beams were blocked and unblocked. The duration of time the beams are block are used by a game controller to calculate the angle of travel, location, and velocity of the puck. This information is then used by the game controller to determine the travel path and resting place of a virtual puck on a virtual playing field, as well as determine whether the virtual puck rests in a scoring zone and maintain a game score.